Information and Democracy in Zambia
Informed debate is the lifeblood of democracies. It is however impossible to engage without the requisite information readily available and accessible. Political tensions, insecurity, threats of violence and crises within a country have a significant impact on access to information. The achievement of democratic governance goals requires that information be widely available. It is imperative that citizens receive timely information especially at a time when government is trying to achieve true economic diversification. Poor and vulnerable groups often lack information that is vital to their lives – information on basic rights and entitlements, public services, health, education, work opportunities, public expenditure budgets, etc. They also lack visibility and voice to enable them to define and influence policy priorities and access resources. Freedom of information and democracy have a mutual relationship. One cannot exist without the other. When governments are dominated b...